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The Wood Innovation Group
TWIG creates opportunities for connections across BC's wood value system—from forest to finished product. Through events, workshops, and community gatherings, we create space for learning, exchange, and collaboration among the people inspired by the possibilities of BC Wood.
This newsletter is for those who see potential in BC’s forest resources and want to help shape what comes next—through creativity, design, hands-on work, or new ways of thinking. It’s about blending tradition with innovation and contributing to a more resilient, locally rooted future.
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Your voice matters. If you have events, projects, or ideas to share, reach out to us at info@twigbca.ca
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Wood-First-Wednesday
May 6th, 6:00 - 8:00
St. Augustine's,
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2360 Commercial Dr, Vancouver,
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A monthly, agenda-free gathering for people working in and around wood to build relationships, exchange knowledge, and share experience.
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Wood-First-Wednesday
Robson North Thompson Forestry Coalition
May 6th, 7:00 - 9:00
Quality Inn - Breakfast room
360 Eden Rd Clearwater, BC
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A monthly, agenda-free gathering for people working in and around wood across the Robson North Thompson region to connect, share knowledge, and build relationships. More Info+
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Wood-First-Wednesday
May 13th, 6:00 - 8:00
Howe Sound Brewing
37801 Cleveland Ave, Squamish
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A casual monthly meetup for anyone interested in wood. Connecting professionals and community members to share ideas, ask questions, and build relationships. More Info+
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Wood Lab Tour
CAWP x TWIG Vancouver
May 19th, 5:30 - 8:00
Centre for Advanced Wood Processing – UBC Campus
Forest Sciences Centre, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver
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Join us for a BBQ at UBC’s Centre for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) to tour the facility and learn more about the programs, tools, and technologies supporting the future of value-added wood manufacturing. More Info+
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Timber Tech Connect
TWIG Vancouver x Concept Lab
June 11th, 5:30 - 8:00
Concept Lab
397 W 7th Ave #300, Vancouver
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Mark your calendars for the next TTC. Registration coming soon. We'll have three presenters sharing current research and product development work.
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More info for these events will be expanded on below, and the up-to-date TWIG events can be found online at twigbc.ca/events/
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TWIG Branches out
Our main news this month is the expansion of TWIG's Wood-First-Wednesday model to the Robson North Thompson Region. For us, branching out defines TWIG. We believe it's important to build a network that spans BC and connects urban and rural communities. (more below)
The Wood-First-Wednesday format is the foundation of modern TWIG. Although the group has existed for 12+ years, we started using the WFW model in 2021. After trying many event types and reflecting each year as organizers, we found WFW offers a high Strength-to-weight ratio. It creates a big impact and needs a few resources. This series helps connections grow steadily—from informal talks to innovative action.
Regular events across TWIG's network are key to sparking radical, high-value innovation in BC. Transformational ideas come from time and repetition. Innovation was once a race for glory; today, it means creating value in communities and forming a sustainable, reciprocal bond with the environment. We need networks that support innovation in cities and rural areas that rely on forests.
If you're reading this and don't yet have TWIG events in your region, I'd love to connect with you. Please reach out and share what's on your mind, or let us know your ideas for transforming BC wood into products that benefit the community and support environmental stewardship. Your input can help shape future TWIG events in your area and inspire new ideas in your community.
With forest-felt regards,
Patrick Christie and The TWIG team
info@twigbc.ca
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Inaugural Wood-First-Wednesday
May 6th, 2026
Quality Inn - Breakfast room
360 Eden Rd, Clearwater, BC
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TWIG’s branches have extended into the Robson and North Thompson region, where the RNT Forestry Coalition is adopting the Wood First Wednesdays model to support regional connection and exchange. We are grateful for Kim Muddiman, who's been a TWIG newsletter subscriber and reached out about using the Wood-First-Wesnesday event format to deepen the connections within the coalition and community.
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The RNT Forestry Coalition is a regional, industry-led group working to strengthen the forest sector through collaboration, value-added manufacturing, and community-based economic development. The coalition brings together partners including Simpcw First Nation, community forests, manufacturers, and industry representatives, with a shared focus on optimizing fibre use, building local capacity, and supporting long-term regional resilience.
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As part of the Wood First Wednesdays network, these gatherings create space for connection across disciplines—linking industry, manufacturing, design, and research through informal, recurring events. The format remains simple: a place to meet, share, and stay connected to the evolving role of wood in our communities and industries.
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The RNT chapter reflects the priorities and realities of Interior BC. Grounded in active forestry communities and a strong base of small and medium value-added producers, these events highlight local projects, challenges, and opportunities while creating space for relationships to deepen over time.
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Led through the RNT Forestry Coalition, this chapter brings a distinct perspective shaped by Indigenous leadership, regional collaboration, and a focus on keeping more value within the communities where fibre is harvested and processed.
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Part of a Growing Network
Wood First Wednesdays continues to expand through regional chapters like RNT—each one locally driven, but connected through a shared structure and intention.
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Together, these gatherings strengthen relationships across BC’s wood industry, creating a distributed network of conversations rooted in place, practice, and community.
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UBC Wood Lab Tour
Tuesday May 19th, 2025
5:30 – 8:00 PM
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Centre for Advanced Wood Processing – UBC Campus
Forest Sciences Centre, 2424 Main Mall, Vancouver
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Join us for an evening at UBC’s Centre for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) to tour the facility and learn more about the programs, tools, and technologies supporting the future of value-added wood manufacturing.
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This event is an opportunity to explore the CAWP facility, learn about the resources and possibilities available to wood-based companies for product development and testing, and see how the centre is continuing to upgrade its capabilities to support the next generation of the wood industry and the people working within it. The tour will also provide insight into the equipment and production technologies that enable modern value-added manufacturing, including CNC centres and professional woodworking machinery.
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As part of the evening, a showcase of work from WOOD 305, an intensive manufacturing course from the UBC Faculty of Forestry, is featured. These pieces represent the culmination of technical wood-machining skills and industrial production techniques, as students transition from theory to hands-on fabrication in a professional shop environment.
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Join us to connect with others in the wood community, get a closer look at CAWP’s evolving facility, and enjoy an evening of learning, conversation, BBQ, and drinks.
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Are you looking to hire someone? Do you have a new position opening up at your company? Let us know, and we can make a posting here to share it with our readers.
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Growing Connections Across our Chapters
TWIG is always looking for new ways to bring people together through regional events, project tours, workshops, and collaborations that highlight and support wood innovation in BC. If you would like to host or co-host with TWIG in Vancouver, Victoria, or Squamish, please let us know, and we can create an event together.
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Got an idea? Need some Testing?
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Do you have a concept, product, or prototype that you want to realize? TWIG can work with you to make this happen with financial support through The Wood First Program. Carried out through the Center for Advanced Wood Processing (CAWP) and its team of technical staff, we are able to provide an array of support on various wood-based projects.
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